Hakuba Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the Nagano region of Japan, Hakuba is a picturesque village that has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its stunning mountain landscapes and world-class ski resorts, Hakuba offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
During the winter months, Hakuba transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. The village is home to several top-notch ski resorts, including Happo-One, which was a venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics. With its abundant snowfall and diverse terrain, Hakuba offers something for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to its winter sports, Hakuba also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation during the warmer months. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the area's lush forests and alpine meadows. The village is also known for its natural hot springs, called onsens, where visitors can relax and soak in the healing mineral waters.
For those interested in Japanese culture and history, Hakuba has several attractions worth exploring. The Hakuba Olympic Museum provides insight into the village's role in hosting the Winter Olympics, while the nearby Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful and historic castles, offers a glimpse into the country's feudal past.
After a day of adventure and exploration, visitors can indulge in the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, delicious ramen, and other traditional Japanese dishes. Hakuba's charming village atmosphere and friendly locals make it a welcoming and memorable destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty and culture of Japan.
Nagano
Hakuba Attractions - What to See and Explore
Hakuba offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hakuba Happoone Winter Resort, Azekura Sanso, Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Hakuba by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Hakuba.
Active
Hakuba Happoone Winter Resort
HakubaSki area Outdoor activities Sport venue 
Azekura Sanso
HakubaHiking Alpine hut 
Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
HakubaSki area Outdoor activities Park
Hakuba – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Hakuba, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto), Zenkō-ji (Nagano), Daio Wasabi Farm (Matsumoto).
Best Time To Visit Hakuba
Learn when is the best time to travel to Hakuba weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Place
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Yakitori
Yakitori is a cherished Japanese dish featuring skewered chicken, grilled to perfection over a charcoal fire. The chicken is seasoned either with tare sauce—a savory-sweet glaze—or simply with salt. These skewers, known as kushi, are typically crafted from...
Soba
Soba, the Japanese term for buckwheat, refers to thin noodles made either from pure buckwheat flour or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flour. These versatile noodles can be enjoyed chilled with a dipping sauce or served hot in a broth as part of a noodle soup.
Japanese noodles
Japanese cuisine
Japanese cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that has evolved over centuries, shaped by various political, economic, and social influences. At its core lies washoku, traditional Japanese food that centers around rice, miso soup, and seasonal ingredients.
Cuisine
Tempura
Tempura is a cherished Japanese dish comprised of seafood, meat, and vegetables that are delicately battered and deep-fried to perfection. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century when Portuguese missionaries in Nagasaki introduced their fritter-cooking...
Dish
Tofu
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is an incredibly versatile food made by curdling soy milk and pressing the curds into solid white blocks. It is available in various textures, including silken, soft, firm, and extra firm, and has a mild flavor, making it suitable for...
Cuisine
Nagano